Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Henry E. Petersen
68 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Ziegler, Petersen, Ehrlichman
These are conversations about Henry E. Petersen. For the 31 conversations Petersen took part in, see Henry E. Petersen’s page →
When Henry E. Petersen comes up
Related topics: WatergateJohn W. Dean IIIDepartment of JusticeWatergate investigationWhite House operationsExecutive privilegePresidential communicationGrand JuryJohn D. EhrlichmanWhite House communicationsRonald L. ZieglerPublic relationsPresidential schedulingObstruction of justice
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Richard G. Kleindienst talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:12 pm and 2:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-040 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1973, Richard G. Lugar and Henry E. Petersen talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 1:12 pm and 2:22 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-041 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Richard G. Kleindienst talked on the telephone from 3:48 pm to 3:49 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-045 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1973, Henry E. Petersen, White House operator, and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:00 pm and 5:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-047 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:43 pm and 8:14 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-051 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen discussed the status of negotiations with John Dean, who refused to enter a plea unless H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman were also prosecuted. Petersen briefed the President on Dean’s attempt to communicate via a note and his potential desire to meet with Ehrlichman. To resolve the matter, Nixon authorized a direct meeting with Dean to demand the full truth and agreed to pressure G. Gordon Liddy to cooperate by signaling that the President expected complete disclosure.
Lawrence Higby contacts H.R. Haldeman to relay a message from John Dean, who had requested to communicate with President Nixon regarding the Watergate investigation. Dean expressed his continued loyalty to the President while urging Nixon to seek counsel from Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen rather than John Ehrlichman. Additionally, Dean indicated a desire to meet directly with the President to discuss these matters despite declining a meeting with Ehrlichman.
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and unknown person(s) talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:18 pm and 8:25 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-054 of the White House Tapes.
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and John D. Ehrlichman talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:17 pm and 9:39 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-057 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen discussed securing the cooperation of G. Gordon Liddy’s attorney, Peter Maroulis, regarding the Watergate investigation. Emphasizing a desire for full disclosure, Nixon directed Petersen to instruct Maroulis that his client must reveal everything he knows about the scandal. The President preferred that Petersen handle the communication personally to maintain professional distance, though he remained willing to meet with the attorney directly if the initial effort failed to produce the desired result.
John D. Ehrlichman calls Acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray to warn him that John Dean is cooperating with the U.S. Attorney and disclosing information regarding sensitive materials previously entrusted to Gray. The two discuss Gray's destruction of these documents, which he claims were purely political in nature, and contemplate how to handle the inevitable scrutiny. Ehrlichman stresses the need for Gray to be prepared, as Dean's cooperation with Henry Petersen creates a significant threat to their efforts to contain the Watergate investigation.
On April 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 10:16 pm and 11:15 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-063 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and John Ehrlichman met to coordinate a narrative regarding their management of the Watergate investigation. They reviewed the timeline of recent events, specifically emphasizing the President's actions to uncover facts after becoming dissatisfied with the John Dean report. The participants strategized on how to frame these developments to legal authorities and the public, focusing on the decision to involve the Attorney General and the handling of potential witnesses like Mitchell and Magruder.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed how to manage the escalating Watergate scandal and the mounting pressure from press coverage, specifically reports involving the Washington Post and the Ervin Committee. They debated whether to pursue a strategy of "minimum action"—relying on the Department of Justice and limiting personnel changes—or a "bold play" involving the public removal of key staff like H.R. Haldeman, John Ehrlichman, and John Dean. Ultimately, Nixon emphasized that he required full, candid information from his aides and considered relying on Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to handle the unfolding investigations while avoiding a premature or ineffective special prosecutor.
President Nixon met with William Rogers to discuss the unfolding Watergate scandal, focusing on the potential testimony of John Dean, Jeb Magruder, and John Mitchell. They reviewed the role of Henry Petersen in the investigation, the disposition of materials from E. Howard Hunt Jr.'s safe, and the implications of Dean's negotiations with prosecutors. The conversation also touched upon President Nixon's schedule and potential actions, including involving Leonard Garment.
On April 16, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:45 pm and 8:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-080 of the White House Tapes.
On April 16, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:45 pm and 8:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-081 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Dean discussed the Watergate investigation, specifically the approach being taken by Leonard Garment and the potential impact of public statements. Nixon expressed concern about damaging the case, referencing a conversation with Henry Petersen and the reluctance to make statements that could be misconstrued. They also touched upon Jeb Stuart Magruder's upcoming statement and the judicial procedures involved, with Nixon asking Dean to research the constitutional implications of confessing in open court. Nixon encouraged Dean, acknowledging the difficult circumstances.
On April 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:20 pm and 2:30 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 898-017 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman coordinated the talking points for Nixon’s upcoming meeting with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen regarding the Watergate investigation. They established a firm policy against granting immunity to top White House officials, such as John Dean and Charles Colson, while remaining open to immunity for lower-level staffers like Gordon Strachan. Furthermore, they clarified personnel policies regarding suspensions upon indictment and resignations upon conviction, while also planning to confront Petersen about the political damage caused by ongoing leaks from the grand jury.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman discussed the administration's strategic position regarding legal immunity and potential grand jury indictments for individuals involved in the Watergate scandal. They reached a consensus on adopting a firm policy that excludes immunity for key figures while allowing for flexibility in cases involving corroborating evidence. This brief exchange served to finalize the President's directives for Ehrlichman to convey during his upcoming discussions with Henry Petersen at the Department of Justice.
On April 17, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 2:40 pm and 2:46 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 898-020 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the administration's public messaging regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. They discuss how to address press inquiries concerning John Dean's role and the validity of Nixon's previous August 29th statement about White House staff involvement. Nixon instructs Ziegler to emphasize that the President is managing the matter directly with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen and to avoid further commentary that could interfere with the judicial process.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler strategized on the public narrative regarding the Watergate scandal, focusing on the President’s recent discovery of new facts and his subsequent collaboration with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen. They discussed drafting a formal statement to address the potential involvement of H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman while emphasizing the need for full disclosure. The meeting also included logistical planning for upcoming consultations with staff members and legal counsel regarding the President's handling of the ongoing investigation.
On April 18, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 12:58 pm and 2:50 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-100 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing Watergate investigation and the challenge of managing leaks from the U.S. Attorney's office. The conversation focused on the credibility of key figures like John Dean, Jeb Stuart Magruder, and Gordon C. Strachan, as well as the legal difficulties of pursuing conspiracy charges against H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman. Nixon emphasized that any potential immunity deals or further investigative steps must be grounded in corroborated testimony rather than conflicting accounts, while reinforcing his assertion that the White House had cooperated fully with the investigation.
On April 19, 1973, Stephen B. Bull and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 11:08 am and 12:48 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 902-012 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the administration's public response regarding the President’s ongoing meetings with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen. They specifically discuss how to address media inquiries concerning Watergate investigations and clarify that the President does not receive reports from the grand jury. Nixon instructs Ziegler to emphasize that while he receives updates on general investigative progress from Petersen, he is not privy to the contents or internal proceedings of the grand jury.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler coordinate the administration's public messaging regarding the Watergate investigation. Nixon instructs Ziegler to emphasize that the President does not receive reports from the Grand Jury to combat rumors of scapegoating and leaks. He directs Ziegler to contact Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to confirm this official stance.
President Nixon instructs Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler to publicly emphasize that he has explicitly directed Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to withhold all grand jury proceedings from him. Nixon expresses concern that leaks, particularly those involving columnist Jack Anderson, could taint the investigation and wants to distance himself from the inner workings of the grand jury. The President clarifies that while he continues to receive general investigatory reports, he is consciously avoiding specific grand jury information to maintain procedural integrity.
President Nixon met with attorneys John J. Wilson and Frank H. Strickler to discuss the evolving Watergate scandal and its potential legal impact on H.R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman. The participants reviewed the status of federal investigations, the handling of secret funds, and the potential for upcoming indictments against White House staff. They also deliberated on the political implications of keeping or removing Haldeman and Ehrlichman from their positions, comparing the situation to historical precedents regarding presidential staff resignations.
On April 20, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 11:23 am and 11:32 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-128 of the White House Tapes.
On April 25, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:10 am and 8:17 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-134 of the White House Tapes.
On April 25, 1973, White House operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at 8:17 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-135 of the White House Tapes.
On April 25, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 8:17 am and 8:25 am. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 038-136 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen arranged an evening meeting at the White House to discuss ongoing Watergate investigations. Nixon expressed significant frustration regarding grand jury leaks, pressuring Petersen to administer lie detector tests to the prosecution team to identify the source. The two also discussed the resignation of Jeb Stuart Magruder and the management of public messaging regarding various White House staff members implicated in the scandal.
President Nixon and Attorney General Richard Kleindienst met to discuss the legal and political fallout surrounding the discovery that E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy had burglarized the office of Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist. Kleindienst, citing advice from Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen and Judge Roger Robb, urged the President to immediately disclose this information to the judge overseeing the Ellsberg trial to avoid a cover-up scandal. Nixon expressed deep frustration with John Dean, whom he viewed as self-serving and potentially willing to blackmail the administration to secure personal immunity, and agreed that the Justice Department must follow the legal protocol of disclosure to preserve the integrity of the presidency.
On April 25, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Lawrence M. Higby met in the President's office in the Old Executive Office Building at an unknown time between 4:10 pm and 4:25 pm. The Old Executive Office Building taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 430-019 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon directs Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to ensure that the prosecutor and judge in the Daniel Ellsberg case understand the extreme sensitivity of the underlying national security investigation. Nixon emphasizes that information regarding these sensitive sources and methods should be handled with restraint to prevent public exposure. This directive seeks to protect classified intelligence gathering operations by framing the scope of the legal proceedings accordingly.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler discuss media strategy regarding the Watergate scandal, focusing on the importance of conveying that the President is actively seeking the truth and maintaining governmental operations. Ziegler reviews his efforts to counter press rumors about the timing of the President's knowledge of the scandal and explains his strategy to ease tensions with the press corps. Nixon directs that daily staff meetings be resumed to project stability and instructs Ziegler to emphasize that the administration is conducting its own investigation without a cover-up.
President Nixon and Ronald Ziegler discussed strategies for managing the administration's public response to the Watergate scandal, specifically focusing on distancing the President from the cover-up and maintaining staff stability. They deliberated on how to address concerns regarding the credibility and potential blackmail threats posed by John Dean, while emphasizing the President's commitment to acting only upon corroborated evidence. The conversation also touched upon the possibility of utilizing Melvin Laird in a Congressional relations capacity and navigating the political fallout from ongoing investigations.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:55 pm and 5:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-014 of the White House Tapes.
On April 26, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 7:08 pm and 7:12 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-024 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Attorney General Richard Kleindienst and Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen regarding the potential fallout from reports that acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray destroyed sensitive documents provided to him by John Dean. The group discussed how Gray should handle media inquiries and his upcoming grand jury testimony, ultimately agreeing that Gray should not resign in response to press reports but should instead wait to address the matter before the grand jury. Nixon expressed strong opposition to granting immunity to Dean, whom he blamed for the ongoing leaks and misinformation regarding the administration's involvement in the Watergate cover-up.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 4:30 pm and 4:31 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 045-035 of the White House Tapes.
President Richard Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to discuss the ongoing investigation into the Watergate scandal and the status of potential evidence. The conversation centers on the President's frustration regarding uncorroborated information and his desire to control the investigative process to avoid political damage. Nixon emphasizes the need to manage the flow of information as the situation escalates, ultimately expressing concern over the implications of incriminating details surfacing.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon, Stephen B. Bull, and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:00 pm and 5:37 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-014 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon met with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen to address alarming reports from journalists Seymour Hersh and Bob Woodward that John Dean had implicated the President to Watergate prosecutors. Nixon expressed deep concern over these rumors and pressed Petersen to confirm whether the prosecutors had received such statements, specifically regarding the March 21, 1973, conversation concerning E. Howard Hunt’s demands. Petersen agreed to immediately contact the lead prosecutors to verify the information and reiterated his stance that his office lacked a mandate to investigate the presidency, asserting that such authority resided only with the House of Representatives.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:43 pm and 6:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-018 of the White House Tapes.
On April 27, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 5:43 pm and 6:04 pm. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 906-022 of the White House Tapes.
On April 28, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Camp David operator talked on the telephone at Camp David at an unknown time between 9:09 am and 9:13 am. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-009 of the White House Tapes.
On April 28, 1973, Camp David operator and President Richard M. Nixon talked on the telephone at Camp David at 6:58 pm. The Camp David Study Table taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 164-023 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon and Attorney General-designate Elliot Richardson discuss the impending appointment of a Special Prosecutor to investigate the Watergate scandal. They agree that while Richardson should appoint an independent figure to oversee the investigation, he must retain ultimate authority and responsibility as Attorney General rather than fully abdicating oversight. Richardson plans to consult with Senate Judiciary Committee members to ensure his proposed management structure, which includes replacing Henry E. Petersen, maintains his command while satisfying congressional demands for integrity.
President Nixon and Elliot Richardson discuss the ongoing Watergate investigations and the political challenges surrounding the nomination of a new special prosecutor. Nixon emphasizes that as Attorney General, Richardson holds absolute authority over the investigation and suggests replacing Henry Petersen to alleviate public pressure. The two men agree on the importance of Richardson maintaining control while navigating the expectations of the Senate.
President Nixon and John Ehrlichman met to discuss the mounting political and legal pressures surrounding the Watergate investigation, with a primary focus on the potential exposure of the White House-sanctioned 'Plumbers' unit. They reviewed the implications of Egil Krogh's forthcoming affidavit and debated how to manage their prior knowledge of the Daniel Ellsberg break-in while maintaining a defensible stance before the Justice Department and prosecutor Henry Petersen. The two men coordinated their strategy for handling Attorney General Elliot Richardson and expressed shared concern regarding the potential legal jeopardy faced by Krogh and the need to protect him from unfair prosecution.
President Nixon and Press Secretary Ronald Ziegler met to coordinate public messaging and defense strategies amidst the intensifying Watergate scandal. The discussion focused on addressing allegations involving John Dean, managing potential leaks of presidential papers, and clarifying Nixon's involvement in the handling of the Daniel Ellsberg break-in investigation. The President emphasized a firm stance on protecting executive privilege while instructing Ziegler to coordinate with Assistant Attorney General Henry Petersen to ensure the public record accurately reflected Nixon's cooperation with the Justice Department.
President Nixon and Stephen B. Bull discussed the scheduling and parameters of an upcoming meeting with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen. The President emphasized his desire to hear a personal message from Petersen, while noting that the conversation should remain distinct from ongoing grand jury matters. This exchange served to facilitate the logistics and communication protocols for the President's engagement with the Justice Department official.
President Nixon met with Stephen B. Bull to coordinate a forthcoming discussion with Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen regarding the ongoing Watergate investigation. The two discussed logistical delays caused by inclement weather and the necessity of ensuring privacy for the meeting. The conversation focused on managing the interaction to avoid premature or public association with grand jury proceedings.
On May 15, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and unknown person(s) met in the Oval Office of the White House at an unknown time between 9:38 am and 9:59 am. The Oval Office taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 918-013 of the White House Tapes.
On May 15, 1973, J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. and Doug Parker talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 5:21 pm and 5:45 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 046-068 of the White House Tapes.
Doug Parker and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. coordinated the delivery of sensitive documents belonging to John W. Dean, III to Assistant Attorney General Earl J. Silbert. The discussion addressed the reasons for a delay in the transfer and confirmed plans to inspect and copy the materials once they reached Silbert’s office. To resolve the lingering issues causing the holdup, Buzhardt committed to placing an immediate follow-up call to Assistant Attorney General Henry E. Petersen.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig discuss the strategic public release of information regarding Senator Thomas Eagleton’s medical history at the Barnes Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. Nixon directs Haig to ensure Henry Petersen pursues the investigation immediately to shape public perception. The two also touch upon the career status and potential culpability of Richard Helms, with Nixon expressing a desire to support him while distancing him from wrongdoing.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig met to strategize the drafting of a White House White Paper intended to shape public perception of the Watergate scandal and address mounting allegations. The discussion focused on carefully framing the President's past communications with figures like L. Patrick Gray and Henry Petersen to emphasize that his actions were rooted in protecting national security rather than facilitating a cover-up. Nixon directed Haig to ensure the document explicitly addressed unauthorized activities involving the CIA and the Plumbers, while maintaining that the President had no prior knowledge of specific illegal acts like the break-in at the office of Daniel Ellsberg’s psychiatrist.
President Nixon and Alexander Haig coordinate the framing of the President’s involvement in the Watergate scandal and its intersection with national security matters for a forthcoming speech. They discuss specific linguistic choices, such as using the term "illegal" rather than "criminal," and outline how to explain Nixon's interactions with L. Patrick Gray and Henry Petersen. The conversation emphasizes justifying the President’s actions regarding the Ellsberg case and the Plumbers by presenting these activities as legitimate national security protections.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt discussed legal strategies for managing ongoing Watergate investigations, specifically focusing on potential testimony from Henry Petersen, Richard Moore, and John Dean. They reviewed the discrepancies in Dean's memory regarding his White House meetings and discussed the risks of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox’s requests for presidential appointment logs. Nixon emphasized that he must maintain the position that he has 'nothing to hide' while Buzhardt prepared to invoke executive privilege to protect the separation of powers and limit the scope of the inquiry.
President Nixon met with J. Fred Buzhardt to strategize the legal defense against John Dean's anticipated testimony before the Ervin Committee. The discussion focused on establishing procedures for cross-examining Dean, reviewing White House documents for inconsistencies, and addressing concerns about potential claims of tape recordings. Nixon and Buzhardt also assessed the ongoing investigation by Henry Petersen and discussed the political fallout and public perception regarding the Watergate hearings.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt discussed legal strategy regarding the upcoming Watergate hearings, specifically focusing on coordinating with Fred D. Thompson for the cross-examination of John Dean. Buzhardt reported on his recent meetings with Thompson and Henry Petersen, highlighting the potential for shifting the committee's focus toward Democratic campaign financing and the increasingly political nature of the hearings. The participants emphasized the need to prepare a detailed chronology of the President's interactions with Dean to challenge his anticipated testimony and mitigate potential legal damage.
President Nixon and J. Fred Buzhardt, Jr. discussed strategies for conducting a rigorous cross-examination of John Dean in anticipation of his upcoming testimony before the Ervin Committee. The President emphasized highlighting Dean’s failure to report key information to the Department of Justice, despite his regular access to officials like L. Patrick Gray and Henry Petersen. They further reviewed chronological evidence to prove that Dean’s involvement in fund-raising and obstruction predated his meetings with the President, with the goal of undermining Dean's credibility and distancing the White House from his illicit activities.